Become a Student Trustee

Friday 22 May 2020

The Board of Trustees, the most senior governing body of Imperial College Union is recruiting one appointed Student Trustee.

The board provides the strategic direction and vision of the organisation. It ensures that we are working towards Our Strategy 2020-2021, and verifies that our staff and student leaders are conducting their activities safely and legally. It also approves Imperial College Union’s annual budget and examines its financial performance, issuing our annual reports.

The Board of Trustees comprises:

  1. The five Officer Trustees
  2. Two elected Student Trustees
  3. Two appointed Student Trustees
  4. The Union Council Chair
  5. Five External Trustees
  6. One Alumni Trustee

External Trustees are selected from industry and academia for their expertise, external viewpoint and experience.

The Board of Trustees meets six times per year. It also has five subcommittees, which are responsible for managing particular areas of the charity in greater detail. The subcommittees are:

  • People, Appointments & Remuneration
  • Communications
  • Finance & Risk
  • Governance
  • Health & Safety

Our Student Trustees are expected to attend all meetings of the board, and of one of the subcommittees. Each subcommittee meets about 4 times a year.

The time commitment for this post is expected to be at least 7 days per annum plus preparation time, including attendance at all Board of Trustee meetings (1/2 day each, 6 per annum), membership of one Board Subcommittee (1/4 day each, approximately 4 meetings per annum), attendance at annual trustee away day and residential (3 days per annum) and optional attendance at other events, meetings and planning days as required.

Student Trustees are in post for one year, from the date of appointment by the Board, and can be reappointed.

Becoming a Student Trustee is an invaluable opportunity to gather real-life experience in a high performing and complex organisation at the most senior level. Your time on Board will give you a chance to develop your strategic thinking capabilities, understanding effective governance and its purpose as well as oversight of commercial and financial operations, communications strategy and human resources management of a £9 million turnover charity. You will learn how to play a meaningful role, help shape the direction of the Union and develop your critical business thinking skills.

You will be paired with an external trustee with 20+ experience in their field to mentor and support you through your term. They will support your personal development and any projects you want to drive forward during your time as a trustee.

Key responsibilities

Trustees are accountable for delivering the responsibilities detailed in the Constitution & Bye-Laws and Board of Trustees Policy. All Trustees have a duty to:

  • Ensure that Imperial College Union acts in accordance with its charitable objects, constitution and other guiding documents and remains true to its Mission, Vision and Values
  • Help Imperial College Union achieve its objectives and improve the lives of its members
  • Ensure that Imperial College Union complies with all relevant legislation and regulations, including relevant Charities Acts and Education Acts, and related regulatory requirements
  • Ensure that Imperial College Union does not undertake activities that put its financial stability, members or reputation at undue risk
  • Work with other Trustees, staff and volunteers in a constructive manner and for the greater good of the Union
  • Participate fully in Board meetings and join one of the Board’s subcommittees
  • Use their personal skills and experience to ensure Imperial College Union is well run and efficient
  • Seek professional external advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties, or at any other appropriate moment
  • Add value to the Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity

To find out more about this role, you can contact one of the current members of the Board of Trustees:

When applying, you must meet and/or demonstrate the following criteria:

  • A current and continuing student of Imperial College London
  • Understanding of the issues affecting students in the UK and at Imperial College London, particularly those with protected characteristics or underrepresented groups at Imperial.
  • Awareness of the systems and structures in, and issues affecting, Higher Education
  • Understanding of, and passion for, the students’ union movement
  • The ability to challenge the status quo, test perceived wisdom and question authority
  • An interest in strategic planning and governance
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to relate to and communicate effectively with people at all levels
  • A leader on equality of opportunity who values diversity and removes barriers to equality
  • An excellent role model who promotes the highest standards of probity, integrity and honesty

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining why you think you would be suitable for the role to icu.board@imperial.ac.uk. Your cover letter should be no more than one page.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 BST Friday 12 June. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short interview to be scheduled w/c 15 June.